Ingredients

8 oz dry macaroni noodles (227g)

½ cup finely diced sweet gherkins (about 4-6 gherkins, 80g)

¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper (about ½ pepper, 100g)

⅓ cup thinly sliced celery (about 1-2 stalks, 55g)

⅓ cup finely diced red onion (45g)

2 large hard boiled eggs, finely diced

¾ cup mayonnaise (175g, olive oil mayo recommended)

¼ cup sour cream (70g)

2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and gently stir to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and diced hard boiled eggs. Stir gently until well mixed. Set aside while you prepare the dressing.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sweet pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper if using. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. Stir once more before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra freshness.

Include a handful of shredded cheddar cheese for a richer taste.

Use dill pickles instead of sweet gherkins if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Make it ahead of time: the salad tastes even better after sitting overnight.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or elbows work well in macaroni salad. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Be sure to drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it well under cold water to remove excess starch. Also, chilling the salad helps the dressing to thicken and prevents wateriness.